While no exact numbers were released, analysts predict that recent VIP rolling chip turnover reached only 20% of pre-pandemic levels.
The secretary for economy and finance Lei Wai Nong revealed the numbers during Legislative Assembly, urging the industry to prepare for changes in the market due to COVID-19. He added the government will help the unemployed junket workers change their careers by providing vocational training.
Junket promoters were prominent in Macau’s gambling industry, acting as middle-men between players and the venue, with many high rollers coming from China. But since the Chinese government outlawed overseas gambling, Macau’s VIP and premium sector will be impacted. Lei Wai Nong noted Macau will continue to observe the law’s development.
Reportedly, VIP baccarat play made up only 35% of Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the last quarter of 2020. This is the first time in a century VIP made up less than 40% of quarterly GGR.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported that in total, there were 6,080 gaming tables and 8,906 slot machines in operation during Q4 2020. Based on January’s data, there were 85 licensed junket promoters in Macau. It’s a 10% decline from 95 that were recorded for the same month the previous year. This is the eighth consecutive year that the number of licensed junket operators has declined.
